Involvement Volunteers International WHY we need you in the Philippines
- Poverty is widespread, with 21.6% of the population in the Philippines living below the poverty line
- Malnutrition is evident, with 1 in 3 children under five having stunted growth, due to lack of a nutritional diet
- The Philippines is prone to natural disasters, which can affect farming and agriculture, one of the main sources of food for many families
- Many poor families have little education and limited access to health services
HOW can you help?
- Encourage and inspire the children into future education, which will provide many benefits for them
- Teach at local schools in Aborlan, Palawan and assist teachers that are over-run
- Increase your skills as a teacher by teaching the children on your own or with another volunteer
- Install confidence, creativity and individuality within the students as they practice their new skills
WHAT you can do?
- Teach English conversational skills, writing, reading, drawing, through fun activities
- Get creative through painting, drawing, crafts and anything else you can think of!
- Get the kids active by playing sports and playground games
- Teach at rural primary schools or informal schools for street children and unemployed adults
Why Involvement Volunteers International?
- Non Profit Organisation & Charity
- Over 30 Years Expertise Globally
- Low Program Fees - From US$295
- Excellent Safety Record, In-Country 24/7 Support & Emergency Assistance
- 1 Application Fee - Multiple Countries
PROJECT NAME: PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHING
LOCATION: ABORLAN, PALAWAN
START DATES: WEEKLY (SAT/SUN ARRIVALS)
ACCOMMODATION: VOLUNTEER HOUSE
MIN DURATION: 1 WEEK
MIN AGE: 16+
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Criminal background check required
Overview
With the rapid growth of the tourism industry as a backbone of the Philippine economy, El Nido, Palawan, has become a highly sought-after destination for both international and domestic tourists. Consequently, there is a significant demand for English language proficiency as a means of communication. However, the children in the local community often lack adequate opportunities to learn and practice English. This program aims to provide these children with a valuable head start in life by assisting them in learning and improving their English skills from a young age.
The remarkable aspect of this program is that you will play a crucial role in enhancing the English language learning of students ranging from elementary to high school in and around El Nido Municipality, particularly in Nacpan Village, located 17km north of the town centre. Your potential students may range from first to sixth grade and are between 6 to 12 years old.
The teaching program is structured as a formal English class, allowing participants to design and implement various engaging learning activities. While creativity is encouraged, the content should align with the school’s curriculum, focusing on grammar and conversation exercises. The emphasis is on teaching practical English for everyday situations in a fun and interactive manner.
Above all, the ultimate goal of this program is for the children to learn from you and for you to have a life-changing experience with them. Through your involvement, you will make significant contributions to the hearts and lives of these children, leaving a lasting impact on their future.
Your Roles – Other Information
An important component of this program is the cultural exchange that will occur during the teaching and learning process. Moreover, Filipino children are always amazed and interested in knowing and learning more about foreign lands and countries including their cultures, beautiful places and sceneries, customs, and historic festivals. Thus, you are encouraged to bring pictures and other visuals from your country, friends, family, or objects that highlight your culture to promote intercultural exchange.
On the other hand, teaching is a noble profession that comes with so much responsibility and duty towards students/learners. Thus, at some point, you will not only teach and impart knowledge but inspire and motivate students/learners for life and take important steps in life. Being said so, the main focus of our Teaching program will depend upon the needs of the public schools at that particular point in time. Your main roles will be, but are not limited to:
- Teaching English alongside the local teachers.
- Prepare and organise lessons and meaningful learning activities with the local program coordinator with various ages and grade levels.
- Facilitate learning activities such as playing fun games, arts, songs, dances,grammar and conversational exercises, sports and other related activities.
- Join other activities conducted at the school.
- Prepare assessment exercises.
- Checked assessment exercises.
- Mark the monthly examinations or assessment.
Moreover, in order for you to prepare for the Teaching Program, the description and other information about the school that we work on are stated below.
Subjects: You can also teach Mathematics, Science, English, History and the like. Those subjects are taught using English, Filipino and Mother Tongue Language. Thus, you will only teach English, Mathematics and Sciences and help the pupils improve their English Communication skills and other sets of skills.
Other info: The school is very grateful to form a good working relationship with participants. They feel that participants are one of the best mediums to have a good foundation of English Communication skills as well as of social interaction with foreigners. They are also grateful that the participants enjoy themselves and get to visit the Village and the community, the island’s attractions and historical places.
Finally, during the teaching activities, always be on time and be mindful of class schedules and come to school prepared, be creative in preparing lessons in fun and engaging ways, smile and have lots of patience as you are working with children with various personalities and wear a dress that covers their shoulders and knees, and basically the more that is covered the better. Men must wear trousers, T-shirts and shoes or follow the dress code policy. You are also expected to actively join other activities and of course to enjoy and make the most of your stay and make memorable learning experiences.
All teaching programs are still available during the school holidays but in the form of a holiday program outside of the normal school system.
Location
Aborlan, situated in the stunning island of Palawan in the Philippines, known for its lush landscapes and rich biodiversity. Aborlan offers a serene escape for those seeking respite from the bustle of urban life. With its stunning beaches, lush forests, and incredible wildlife, the town invites adventurers and nature enthusiasts to explore its hidden gems. The projects are located approx 45 min outside the main city of Puerto Princesa where you will be warmly welcomed into the community.
Project Tasks
- Widen the Island children’s multi – cultural interactions.
- Improve the children’s educational prospects particularly in improving English Communication skills.
- Assist the local staff and teachers by providing an extra hand.
- Develop your teamwork and creativity skills through practical work.
- Reciprocal Learning Experiences.
- Give you invaluable and practical experience in teaching.
Food & Accommodation
The volunteer centre provides rooms shared with 4-8 people per room, with the houses complete with either a fan or air con, T.V, kitchen, wifi (this can be limited sometimes), mosquito protection, bed linen and lockable rooms. Limited laundry facilities, so expect to wash your clothes by hand, unless you’d like to use the laundry service for a small fee.
*Private rooms may be available for a small upgrade, please ask us in advance.
3 meals per day are provided each day (2 on weekends), with mainly local Philippino foods being served, including lots of vegetables, rice, fish, meat and eggs. Meals are served on site at the accommodation.
*Accommodation may be in our local centre or in close proximity, depending on availability and time of year.
Standard
Projects (Palawan)
- Kindergarten Teaching, Aborlan
- Primary School Teaching, Aborlan
- Mangrove Conservation, Aborlan
- *Community Construction, Aborlan
- *Kindergarten Teaching, El Nido
- *Primary School Teaching, El Nido
- *Community Construction, El Nido
-
1 Week - $370
-
2 Weeks - $465
-
3 Weeks - $695
-
1 Month - $865
-
2 Months - $1595
-
3 Months - $2390
- Private rooms in Abloran (dorm) cost additional $250 p/week, and in El Nido $500 p/week
What's Included
-
Accommodation
-
Meals
-
Airport Pickup
-
Local Transportation
-
1 Day Orientation
-
24/7 In-Country Support
-
Project Materials & Equipment
-
Pre-departure Expert Advice
-
Preperation Tools & Checklists
-
Certificate of Completion
Application fee is one off per person (unlimited placements)
- Click Here to convert the below prices to your local currency
- Discounts may apply if travelling in a pair or group!
- All credit card fees included in below pricing 🙂
Testimonials...
FAQ
If you love working with young people, are energetic and want to inspire the furture generation, then yes absolutely! Teaching in a foreign country can be challenging but the rewards are even greater. The children here greatly value the help you give, making this a rewarding project with lasting impacts.
- Accommodation
- 3 meals p/day weekdays / 2 meals p/day weekends
- Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
- Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
- 1 day orientation
- Daily transportation to project
- In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
- Fundraising support
- University course credits (where applicable)
- Certificate of Completion
- Airfares
- Travel Insurance
- Tours, Souvenirs & spending money
Your first day will consist of comprehensive overview of the program including what to expect, health and safety, introduction to Filipino culture and introduction to staff and fellow volunteers. A guided city tour is also included for Tacloban placements.
Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.
A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS). You must arrive between 10:00 – 17:00 on Sunday.
If arriving outside the pickup times on Sunday, you can book a private transfer for US$50.
If arriving during the week, or on Saturday, we charge US$50 for any extra night’s accommodation before your program, and another US$50 fee for a private transfer.
Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this).
From the airport the accommodation, it takes 1.5 hours by road.
You will volunteer or 4-6 hours a day.
Monday to Friday
- Breakfast
- Teaching English at the school and arranging activities
- Lunch
- Teaching English at the school and arranging activities
- Preparing lessons/activities for the next day together with the local coordinator
- Dinner
*Schedule possible to change due to the project and community needs at the time. Volunteer flexibility and adaptability is important to a positive volunteering experience.
Beaches of Boracay
This small island is known for its outstanding natural beauty, and pristine white sand beaches. White beach stretches for 4km and is a popular place to visit. There are plenty of cafes and nightlife, including fire throwers and live music at the bars.
Bohol Chocolate Hills
Take a visit to Bohol island, around an hour from Cebu, and check out the 1200 hills of all shapes and sizes. This stunning natural formation is quite a sight. You can hike or take an ATV ride up the hills.
Diving
The Philippines have many amazing dive spots, and some of the most pristine water in the world! With plenty of fish, coral reef and even whale sharks, this is a divers heaven. You can even learn to dive here.
Twin Lagoon on Coron Island
You may have seen images of this spectacular beauty spot online- and it doesn’t disappoint! As well as some incredible diving, you can also explore some stunning viewpoints, secluded beaches, or go on a boat tour around these turquoise blue waters.
Ziplining
For those who love adventurous activities, why not try ziplining?! Check out the stunning one on El Nido, with beautiful views over the beach. It’s 750 metres and will give you that adrenaline kick for sure.
Kayaking
There are plenty of gorgeous places to kayak in the Philippines, and it’s secret lagoons are some of the best spots. Paddle your way through the stunning rock formations and crystal-clear waters.
Vigan Town
This very pretty town has a Hispanic heritage that is evident as you walk through the artsy cobbled streets. Vigan town is on the island of Luzon and is a great weekend trip, with museums, cafes, workshops and quirky sights. For photographers, you can get some pretty shots at dawn, when the town is empty.
Underground River, Palawan
Puerto Princesa is a beautiful river that goes underground, through impressive limestone caves. Book a boat tour to take you through the caves.
Manila
The capital city, Manila is a hustling and bustling place, with plenty of culture. Be sure to check out the museums, art galleries, old buildings, cafes and bars.
Teaching experience or a TEFL certificate is appreciated, but not mandatory
For information on holidays and any programs affected, please see the following link: PH – Holidays – All Programs
The Philippines consists of more than 7000 islands and is a land apart from the mainland of Southeast Asia. The people are, simply, Filipinos – and proud of it. Welcoming, warm and relentlessly upbeat, it is they who captivate and ultimately ensnare visitors.
Islands are jungle-clad, mountainous and flanked by aquamarine waters and a world renowned coral reef. But you’ll find plenty of variations on this theme, from marooned slicks of sand in the middle of the ocean to sprawling, overpopulated mega-islands like Luzon and Mindanao.
About half of the Philippines’ 88 million people live in rural areas. Poverty is most severe and most widespread in these areas and almost 80 per cent of the country’s poor people live there. Agriculture is the primary and often only source of income for poor rural people.
Overall, more than a third of the people in the Philippines live in poverty. There are substantial differences in the level of poverty between the regions and provinces and the poverty gap between urban and rural areas is widening.
November to April is the most popular time to visit the Philippines, as this is when there is the least rainfall.
June to October is wet season and November to May is usally dry. Shoulder months can be a great time to travel as you can still get some good weather but there are less crowds. The island weather can vary, so it’s worth checking the weather for which islands you will be visiting at which time of year.
The Philppines has a big Latin and Spanish influence, due to the previous Spanish rule. Evidence of this can be seen throughout the Philippines. The Filipino people are very welcoming, like to have close family bonds, and getting together with friends and family to eat, sing and dance. They are also very religious and most go to church at least every Sunday.
Filipino people have a great respect for thier elders, saying the phrases ‘po’ and ‘opo’, when speaking with thier elders. They love a good party and festival, particually Christmas which they can celebrate right into the second week of January!
30 Years Non Profit Experience
IVI is an Australian charity & non profit organisation founded in 1989 and is one of the pioneers of overseas volunteering successfully placing over 20,000 volunteers globally.
Affordable Volunteer Travel
Safe & Responsible Projects
Work Experience & University Credits
Check out this amazing blog with step by step info on how to raise funds for your overseas volunteer experience to help maximize your impact abroad. Guide to Fundraising
Weekends & Extra Tours
